Spectro 1 vs. Spectro1 Pro

* metallic paints are usually to be measured at multiple angles, but conditionally it is possible to use such measurements (subject to the non-interchangeability of data)

Learn more: Paint & Coatings Industry Technical Article

Unique Spectro 1 Geometry

Please note that Variable Spectro instruments use non-common geometry D/0°. 

D - means Diffusion and describes how the specimen is illuminated during measurement.  Most of the spectrophotometers in the print industry are 45/0 what means that light comes from a 45° angle, and measurement is taken from a 0° angle.
In a Diffusion scenario, a special chamber mixes light rays reflected at different angles. 

Most of the color manufacture industry uses spherical Instruments where the chamber has a shape of a sphere, but the difference is measurement angle which for spherical instruments is typically 8° - so instruments are marked as D/8°. 

Data collected with different geometry/gloss observation/M-conditions are non-comparable. Don't expect SPIN and SPEX to be identical on the same principle why M1 and M2 are not equal. The difference is smaller for uniform, flat, and matt-finished objects, but hi-glossy, textured surfaces may bring huge differences.

Spectro 1 and Spectro 1 PRO has different shape of the chamber which is a sphere for the PRO version.

SPEX/SPIN

Spectrophotometers with mixing chamber can provide reflectance measurements in two ways: specular included (SPIN) and specular excluded (SPEX). In the case of Spectro 1, it is a different technical solution that is not user-switchable. Before ordering a proper version has to be selected. 

Read more about SPIN vs. SPEX

Standard/Bridge version

Please note that Spectro 1/ Spectro 1 PRO has a basic version that can be used with Spectro Application only and Bridge version that comes with dedicated USB hardware that enables connection with PC or Mac computers

	Standard	Bridge
Product
PC	No PC connectivity!	CC Capture (Mac, Win 10)
iOS (iPhone/iPad)	Spectro by Variable	Spectro by Variable

Note:

The Bridge has a Bluetooth range of 25 feet (7.5 meters), meaning there is built-in flexibility when it comes to scanning colors within your PC software. This device comes with a unique license file required, therefore it has to be ordered with the instrument. Without a license file, it is impossible to establish communication. 

Spectro by Variable mobile application

Spectro by Variable offers built-in data export to ChromaChecker Cloud. Please note that this support is limited to Color Inspector Tracking option only. The user may collect data for QC tasks using the existing database, but not create new tracks.
The operator needs to enter credentials (Organization Name, Operator Name, and Password) To obtain register Operator in Accountability Inspector and assign privileges. 

Working with Color Inspector

	launch app, select menu		select ChromaChecker		enter Operator's credentials (first time only)
	select track, scan sample		upload		the system confirms data, scan next sample or quit

CC Capture

With CC Capture, Spectro 1 Bridge by Variable  (Standard or PRO) instruments get incredible functionality. The user can select one of the following tools:

PRINT INSPECTOR

• Read ControlStrips based on CMYK, RGB, ECG, Lab, Named (Spot) color space  patches including placeholders and special patches
• Verify printing process 
• Create ICC profile
• Create G7 calibration curves
• a much more (consult Print Inspector capabilities)

INSTRUMENT INSPECTOR

• Track your Instrument stability
• Compare to another
• Calculate Instrument harmonization 

COLOR INSPECTOR

• Create Color Library  including Advanced CxF/X-4 Standard
• Export Color Library - CXF
• Track samples with auto-recognition feature
• Auto averaging with sample consistency analysis

SUBSTRATE INSPECTOR

• Create entry to Substrate Library (including measurement on BW backer)
• Track Substrate
• Auto averaging with sample consistency analysis

 and more

Sample Application

Print Inspector	Print Inspector	Print Inspector
Minimal G7-3R	CC-84-7R	CC-RGB,  CC-CMYK
Print verification (TVI and G7)	G7 Curve generation	ICC Profile Generation
Instrument Inspector	Substrate Inspector	Color Inspector
T-42 Target	Substrate BW Backer	CXF/X-4 template
Instrument Tracking	Substrate Library/Tracking	Advanced Color library

Conclusion

Unique geometry makes all those features extremely unique, as a lot of objects and substrates are hard to measure properly with traditional 0/45  or 45/0 geometry.  Spectro 1 by Variable (Standard/PRO) with CC Capture offers features that were not available before. 

When ordered from the chromachecker.com site instruments comes with "Entry120" Color Inspector 90-days Subscription Plan included (free of charge).